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Kingoonya

Kingoonya was established in the early 1900s as a railway support town on the line extending west. It became more important during and after the First World War, when in fulfilment of the undertakings given to Western Australia in the processes leading up to Federation, the east-west railway line was built west to link with Kalgoorlie and Perth.

Before the Stuart Highway was sealed and re-routed north and east of the township, Kingoonya was also the point at which the old Alice Springs road left the east-west railway line and its service roads and headed north.

The use of diesel locomotives, better technology and communications, together with lifestyle expectations, have meant that much of the railway maintenance on the Indian Pacific line in SA now is done ‘roll-in-roll-out’ from Port Augusta.

Special attractions

The township is reputed to have the widest main street in Australia and cricket matches have been played on it. The hotel has recently reopened and offers a welcome break for weary travellers.

The current population is approximately 10 people with the Progress Association meeting at least on a quarterly basis with limited fundraising activities. A “Back to Kingoonya” is planned in 2012 which has the potential to raise funds for the community.